The psychological investigation of veils perfection from Molavi's point of view (Relying on the third book of Masnavi)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 professor of Persian Language and Literature, University of sistan and Baluchestan, zahedan, Iran.

2 PhD student of Persian Language and Literature, University of sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran.

3 Master student of psychology, University of sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

10.22126/ltip.2024.10301.1235

Abstract

Man is a perfectionist by instinct, and whether he likes it or not, he always walks on the path of progress. The aim of this study is to examine and analyse the concept of the veils of human perfection in the third book of Masnavi and compare it with the views and language of psychology, in a descriptive–analytical manner. The fact is that knowing the veils of human perfection and self-improvement is more important than seeking the truth, because if a person has the ability to know the veils of human perfection and the obstacles to self-improvement and remove them, then he is not far from his truth. However, this is not the case. According to the research conducted in this study, it can be said that according to Rumi and the psychologists, it is necessary to know the veils of human perfection. According to the results of the research, it can be said that imitation, egoism, worldliness, desire and lust are among the most frequently used veils of human perfection in the third book of Masnavi. It can be said that there are many similarities between the theories of psychologists and the thoughts of the third book of Masnavi. 
Introduction:
Although the study of the human psyche and human behavior has a long history, its formalization as a science is relatively recent. This scientific discipline has evolved with the growth and development of humanity and the emergence of new challenges in modern life. Exploring psychology through the lens of Rumi's Masnavi offers a new perspective on the depth of Rumi's philosophical thought and highlights the richness of our cultural heritage. It can serve as a valuable resource for psychological experts by providing a basis for the development and validation of new theories and creating a deep connection between historical wisdom and contemporary knowledge. Rumi argues that the achievement of self-realization and perfection is a voluntary endeavor that enables individuals to recognize and overcome their inner and outer weaknesses, paving the way for personal growth and well-being. However, he also acknowledges that many people struggle to understand themselves and embark on the path of self-improvement, which ultimately prevents them from realizing their full potential.
Materials and Methods:
The authors used the library and documentation method for this study. They consulted extensively books and articles in the field of psychology and its methods. First, they provided the audience with a comprehensive overview of various psychological methods. They then provided readers with illustrative examples of each of these concepts through an in-depth analysis of the third chapter of Rumi's Masnavi.
Results and Discussion:
The pursuit of perfection and the achievement of perfection are concepts that date back to antiquity, including ancient Greece. Those on a mystical journey in search of truth consider reaching the pinnacle of personal development and knowledge as perfection. However, reaching the light of knowledge and perfection, which is the result of refining one's character, purifying the inner self, detaching from the outer world and pursuing the path of truth, is often hindered by obstacles. These obstacles act as veils to intuition and barriers to self-realization or veils of truth that must be overcome. Throughout history, these obstacles have been recognized as hindrances to the mystical journey. In the Masnavi, Rumi discusses the perfection of man and his qualities in a way that mesmerizes psychologists.
He strives to convey the principles of human excellence and perfection by emphasizing the existential values of humanity and describing the traits of a healthy personality while highlighting the characteristics of perfected individuals. He not only advocates moral ideals, but also leads to these ideals step by step. Through self-knowledge and an understanding of the world, he strives for self-realisation. He has a clear understanding of his own identity, recognises his abilities and cultivates his character so that he can eagerly help others through his actions. While the solutions proposed by psychologists and Rumi are practical, they are not rigid or unchangeable. Rumi wants to educate individuals to make the right choices to strive for perfection in different circumstances and advocates love, hope and a peaceful journey to happiness and perfection. The pursuit of perfection is considered one of the basic human needs. According to some psychologists, this need is one of the most important intrinsic and inner needs of human beings. It has been expressed through various definitions, such as the need for advancement (McClelland), self-actualization (Maslow and Rogers), striving for ambition (Adler), excellence (Forum) and others.
Conclusion:
When we studied Rumi's works, we realised that the same issues addressed by theorists of self-improvement and self-knowledge in psychology were also discussed by Rumi. He explored various facets of human self-improvement in depth. In this study, some concepts of hijab of human self-improvement in the third book of Masnavi, such as imitation, blame and projection, worldliness, fantasy and illusion, self–importance, self–inhibition, desire and lust, are examined from a psychological perspective.
According to Rumi, the pursuit of imitation was profoundly futile. Not only did it not lead to true knowledge, but it was also an obstacle on the path to truth and ultimately undermined human existence. Rumi asserted that a genuine understanding of truth must come from the heart, for even if one were to encounter a truth through imitation, it would have no value and be useless. Worldliness is another concept of the veils of human perfection in the third book of Masnavi. He neither leaves the world nor advertises to leave the world. If one ponders over his thoughts, it becomes clear that when he speaks of leaving the world, he does so because he considers drowning in worldly blessings and their enjoyment as the cause of belonging. Another obstacle on the path to self–improvement is desire and lust. Using a psychoanalytical approach, Molana views desire in humans as an instinct in animals. But unlike an animal, which is unaware of its instincts and is forced to be a prisoner of them, humans are aware of their desire. For this reason, he chooses the desire that helps him to realize himself.
According to the results, it can be claimed that taqlid, worldliness, nafs amara, lust are among the most frequently used psychological concepts of the veils of perfection according to Molavi opinion in the third book of Masnavi.

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